DIRT tax was introduced in 1986 for interest paid or credited by financial institutions from 1986-87 onwards. Following the liberalisation of capital markets and the ending of exchange control in 1992, the Finance Act was adjusted to al low companies and pension funds to hold accounts not subject to DIRT. Individuals could open Special Savings Accounts subject to a lower rate of DIRT up to a limit of £50,000. Non-resident accounts were not subject to DIRT.